Tuesday, October 31, 2017

Ruts in the Road and the Jesus Lizard

During a Course in Miracles meeting, our MDC facilitator, Bev, described the long gravel road that led to her childhood home.  It made a deep impression on me.  I loved hearing how her Dad would take up a collection from the other four houses to fill in the ruts after the rainy season. Her father seemed to be the only neighbor who had a problem driving in those deep ruts. A good reminder as to how we can get complacent in our ruts.  Her dad had taught her a great lesson that she valued throughout her life.

Something kind of funny happened the next day.  Elliot and I took a drive out in the country to visit a local orchid warehouse.  When you turn off the main road, a narrow country lane leads through a wide open field to the nursery building.  We hadn't been there since the hurricane, but as we rolled along the dirt road, gravel had been used to fill in the ruts!

I laughed, telling Elliot,  Bev's father would be happy about this!   The timing was amusing. I love how the Holy Spirit brings these lessons to light in simple heartfelt ways. So happy we are traveling the road with Him.  Fill in the ruts.

My Mom loved pigs, and we passed a roll of pink painted hay decorated like a giant pig with a flowerpot nose.  At the entrance to the building, there were garden ornaments of pigs with wings, flappin' in the breeze.

Another lesson came while soaking in all the lush plants and vegetation in the large facility.  Perfumed orchids gave the place a heavenly scent.  Out in the back area, there was a sign, The Jesus Lizard.  Apparently this fast moving lizard got his name because he's so lightweight and fast that he can actually run on top of the water to catch his goal!  Curious, we looked down over the barrier wall trying to catch a glimpse of this Jesus namesake.  The area was fairly large, but as our eyes scanned the surface, he was nowhere to be found.

We were about to move on, when I happened to look up. There he was.

An eight-inch prehistoric beige lizard was staring at me. His bright eyes seemed amused that I'd finally seen him.  He'd been there the whole time, in stillness clinging to a branch on a tall bush. I got the message: you need to look up to see me.  You have been looking down.  Look up!  Another great lesson from Jesus. 

Enjoy your journey with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Monday, October 30, 2017

Stretching to Receive: An Angel Message


Sometimes an opportunity may not appear in the ordinary way.   Our feral friend, Gus, brought this lesson home when he stretched to get a cool sip of water from the birdbath.  Although the form may vary, the substance is the same.  Water is water.  Spirit is spirit.  Love is love.  It can come in a myriad of ways if we are willing to stay open to receive the gift.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Saturday, October 28, 2017

Psalm 23 and Public Speaking: An Angel Message

An angel message came winging its way to me early this morning.  The graphic design artwork of Psalm 23 had been silhouetted by the stain glass butterfly in the adjacent window. It brought back a memory of the power of that particular psalm for me.  It was on my 35th birthday that I was scheduled to speak at a regional lawyers conference in Baltimore.  My only public speaking experience at that time was as a den mother for my son's cub scout troop.  So here I was in a hotel in Baltimore, sweating it out during the long night, before my speaking engagement that required me to demonstrate a new automated system for tracking fraud, waste and abuse. 

Rather than worry, at some point, it came to me, to keep reciting the Twenty-Third Psalm...which I did.  In the morning, I was calmer, but decided to skip breakfast and continue to pray.

When it came talk to give my talk that afternoon, I found that as I stepped up to the podium, an inner presence took over and it all went well, so much so that my boss said I was a natural.  I know it was the power of Psalm 23, and not my own doing.  Like the butterfly, I'd been transformed, finding I could do things I never thought possible before (with Christ).

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



Friday, October 27, 2017

Pacing Yourself: An Angel Message

Timing is everything.  If only I could realize that I am always at the right place at the right time, doing the right thing, no matter what.  Everything is a lesson waiting to be learned to some degree.  Yesterday morning just as I went to the front door, I happened to catch hold of a beautiful sight.  Three snowy white ibis where flying by, winged against a blue autumn sky.  Their flight was graceful as they glided along with little effort.  Not far behind the peaceful trio, a lone ibis flapped hard struggling to keep up.  I could almost hear her silent call, "Wait for me!"

Photo from Wikimedia Images of African Ibis in Flight

I caught a glimpse of me in that scene; and I recognized my critical self, winging its way into mind.  "That's just like you."


Ibis is a bird associated with writing.  In ancient Egypt, it represented the first letter of the alphabet.  There are several writing projects I have yet to finish, but timing is everything.  Yesterday afternoon a small quote stuck out when I tried to peel the sticker off my peacock journal. It was just the angel message I needed.  Although it had been there, I'd never seen it before. Timing is everything.

"I write to discover what I know."
              --FLANNERY O'CONNOR

       

The quote spoke volumes, giving me peace. With the help of God's angels, I'm on an unfolding path of learning.  It's not so much about keeping up with others as it is about taking life at our own pace. The journey is not about speed, but rather a gift freely given to appreciate each precious moment in the Book of Life and to gain from all of our experiences. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Angel of Trust


                                           

The Angel of Trust is the angel pick for today.  The unicorn is a symbol for Christ, the angel kneels bringing nourishment.  Even Jesus needed to be strengthened by an angel in the Garden so he could go forward and complete his earthly mission.  We, too, can accept the help of God's heavenly messengers.

I've always been intrigued by the symbolism of the various flora and fauna in the famous Unicorn Tapestries.  The seventh panel depicts Him in captivity, chained to a pomegranate tree.  A purple iris blooms outside the locked gate and represents maintaining hope; a new birth is at hand.

The unicorn has surrendered, not trying to breakout on his own; a peaceful image of divine trust, knowing he will be victorious.


But my horn shalt thou exalt like the horn of the unicorn: 

I shall be anointed with fresh oil.   
                  --Psalm 92

Today the Angel of Trust brings a message to be still.   Like the unicorn, certain of His Father's Love, rest and go within.  No matter how dire the circumstances may appear to be, it is a set-up, an opportunity to release  old ego thoughts and fears of limitation. Victory comes through reliance on the Truth about your spiritual heritage, you are a Child of the Light.  All is well.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.


Love and joyful blessings,



Rae Karen




(The Unicorn in Captivity -  The Cloisters, Metropolitan Museum of Art,
Wikimedia Commons)

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Symbols of Heavenly Care: An Angel Message

An old weathered painting that I discovered in an antique shop many years ago has moved with me over the past twenty years. I bought Da Vinci's replica of The Last Supper at a time when my life was going through a great transformation.  I had left everything familiar and moved to another state, leaving my home, belongings, family and friends to begin a brand new chapter in Life.  The Last Supper had caught my eye, a dear treasure that had been in someone's home forever. The simple weathered shoelace used to hang it from was endearing.  

I admit the past several years, it has been tucked away behind a door with some other artwork. 

An angel thought came to me before getting out of bed this morning.  "Find that forgotten picture and hang it up in plain view." 

So I did.  I put it in the kitchen, a place of sustenance.  Satisfied, I turned off the overhead light. I was in for a surprise.  I caught a glimpse of another creative display not of my making.  

High up on the wall, were two silhouettes!  A tall graceful  angel appeared to be greeting a beautiful butterfly as they communed in silence above the ornate hand-painted armoire. 

The colorful Angel had been a gift to myself last Christmas.  Her tremendous size and bright red gown made it easy for me to see her.  And, the copper butterfly ornament  had been a garden gift from a friend. When the gazing ball broke in a storm, the butterfly landed on top of the armoire.  Both were placed there without much thought, but in hindsight I see they were waiting for me to catch up. 

By their presence, the two silhouettes told their own story of transformation. 

Afterwards I took a photo of The Last Supper.  More detail came into focus; the bird wall clock and kitchen window were reflected in the glass.  And then, an angel thought reminded me of a recent Bible verse  I've been pondering.   

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."  (Revelations 3:20)


My daily spiritual email quote was timed perfectly, too.

See in every material possession,
legitimately gained and held,
a symbol of our heavenly Father's
love and care.
                    --Rev. G.A. Kratzer

I loved this reminder to see with new eyes all of the wonderful blessings around us.  To make time for stillness and reflection in our busy world.  To answer the inner door of our higher consciousness and welcome the indwelling Christ to supper.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,



Rae Karen

Monday, October 23, 2017

Elephants on the Path: An Angel Message


The Case for Christ is an excellent movie.  It was so good I wanted to return it to the public library right away so someone else could benefit from the recent release.  On the way there, I noticed a neighborhood yard sale, and thought about stopping, but plans were made to go to Lowe's for mulch after the library. 

I share this to show how the angel messages (pure intuition) come in to play if I listen.  (They will for you as well.)  After dropping the movie off, Elliot noticed a few rain drops, so we decided to postpone the gardening. Suddenly,  I was reminded of the yard sale. It was on the way home.   Over our twenty years of marriage, my husband has learned patience and waited in the car while I scouted it out.

Right away I saw something I loved.  An elephant fireplace board.  Our old metal screen dates back to the 30's and looks it.  I have always had a thing for elephants.  So I grabbed it right away. 

The owner smiled. 

"What can I say?" I said.  "I'm an elephant person!" 

Her eyes lit up.  "Wait a second, I have something for you.  If you're an elephant person, you'll love this."   She came back in a minute with two beautiful leather elephants.  "I started to put these out, but I didn't want them to go to just anybody.  They have been by the entrance to our home for twenty-five years." 


"I will take good care of them."  I told her.  (A elephant with its trunk up is a sign of prosperity.)

The price was a real bargain.    And so with our elephants in the back- seat, we headed home, feeling a fresh flow of energy. It brought to mind Africa and a willingness to be flexible to travel.  At home, we learned that  my brother had called all the way from Africa.  He and his wife have been working there for the past two weeks.  More synchronicity.

An elephant never forgets. They are a symbol of royalty and fertility.  They show great loyalty and affection to each other.   As the largest land mammal, they awaken a sense of awe and wonder.  They remind me that God loves me and everyone else.  God is Love. 

What a comforting thought to warm not only the hearth but the heart.


Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen




Saturday, October 21, 2017

Expect a Miracle: Angel Message



Earlier this week while making a purchase at a local bookstore, what a surprise to find this sunflower message. The sign, EXPECT A MIRACLE, posted above an open doorway, seemed like a wonderful angel reminder for us to stay open and be willing to enter into a new "realm" of opportunities.  Like a sunflower always turns its face toward the light, follow the guidance, and get ready to bloom.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Thursday, October 19, 2017

A Rainbow! Angel Communication

Long before sunrise this morning, I was up and selected an angel card messenger for today.  The Angel of Communication seemed important, but I wasn't sure what to write about...  Maybe a suggestion to reach out to someone I hadn't contacted in a long time.  Or maybe to just remember all of the wonderful ways God will communicate to each of us through His representatives.  The angel blog was put on hold.  After breakfast,  Elliot and I were prompted to go for a walk. A gentle "angel" nudge came to me to bring my phone for a photo, but I didn't pay attention. 

Stepping out the front door, I noticed how the rain from last night made everything lush and green.  I stood in the yard admiring a bright yellow flowering bush. (Last year I almost gave it up for dead.) A light drizzle spritzed my face, and I looked up, wondering if we should walk.  

That's when Elliot pointed to an amazing sight!  High above the trees, a big beautiful majestic rainbow arched the blue sky! 

 Like a joyful kid, I ran into the house to grab my phone to get a picture.  Through a sunny mist, I snapped away, hoping to capture the colors before they faded.  I knew the rainbow was a powerful sign to be shared.   


I love it!  A rainbow is like a sermon in nature:  "Look up!  Something wonderfully beautiful is happening.  The storm is over, and this is what it brought! Hallelujah!"  

We hurried to walk underneath the colorful arch, feeling the glow of its blessing.


To me, the rainbow speaks of God's greatness, His Love, His majesty and promise as we lift up our eyes.
Be still before the Lord
and wait patiently for him
Psalm 37:7

Enjoy your day with the Angels, and listen for their gentle, loving nudges. Then step out in faith.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

A Double Dose! The Angel of Transformation

As I reached into the bowl of angels this morning, I asked the Holy Spirit for guidance.  Two angel cards came out together.  I turned them over and did a double take!

Both were the Angel of Transformation.  

That was a first!  As we all know, transformation involves change. C. G Jung once said the greatest enemy of change was a successful life. Change can be hard especially when everything is going smoothly.  It's so easy to stay in that secure mold and begin to fossilize, living life by rote. Boring and flat, like a cup of stale coffee.   

The Angel of Transformation brings a reassuring message; that everything in you is good, that everything in you is allowed to be there.  Everything in you has meaning. Any fear, anger, guilt, and resentment are simply blocks waiting to be transformed into light.  

You may be someone who thinks you should always do everything perfectly.  This fear can be used to teach you that your thinking this way is damaging to you, and to take a more human approach to your life.  Fear can be transformed into new energy.  Or maybe you have anger and resentment down deep inside.  Perhaps they are there to teach you to treat yourself as well as you do others.  To live your own life more fully and to love yourself.  Guilt could be a sign to freely express yourself without resorting to manipulation to have your needs met.  By changing these old behavior patterns,  new lighter energies will flow in to revitalize your life.

With a little willingness to change, the Angel of Transformation will help us to understand that everything within us is material for transformation, until finally our real Self shines through!  

May the Angel of Transformation assist us to treat ourselves gently as we all go through these accelerated times of tremendous spiritual expression.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 



Thursday, October 12, 2017

Christ Fish: An Angel Message

 This morning while searching for a gift card to send to our three-year-old granddaughter, I had a surprise.  My notecards are stashed in a peacock decorative box. The inner lid liner had come unglued and covered the cards.   On the cardboard insert, I saw the glue had left an imprint of the Christ fish!  

The peacock feathery "eyes" have long been a symbol of watchfulness, resurrection and wise vision.  In Christianity the peacock was a symbol of the death and resurrection of Jesus.  In Egypt, it was associated with the all seeing eye of Horus.  

I had to smile at this unexpected discovery.   Christ is the glue.  "In Him we live and move and have our being."  

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen







Monday, October 9, 2017

What Will You Choose? An Angel Message


While tending to a bed of thirsty yellow chrysanthemums on Sunday, I'd just finishing clipping off many brown blooms like the good gardener I'm trying to be. I remembered the need to snip the dead heads to support new life.  More new buds would bloom rather than the Mums' energy being divided between breaking down the old and bursting with new colorful buds. 

The timing was a blessing as that's when I spotted a rare sight.  A pair of sand hill cranes strolled by  the yard, patrolling the neighborhood.  These long-legged graceful birds are birds of water and as such are associated with feminine energies, teaching us how to use our own.  They came up in the yard to say hello.  The debris from Irma is still piled up waiting to be hauled away by the city. 

The sand hill cranes' appearance speaks of creativity and long life in many customs.  In hindsight as I looked at the pictures this morning I got it.  On our daily walk in Life, we have a choice between life and death.  Choose life, the Master Jesus said.

 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.  And watch for the happy miracles of God's Love that come your way.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen



Sunday, October 8, 2017

The Writing on the Wall: An Angel Message


High above the east window that faces the busy traffic on Main Street, this quote at The Neighborhood Center Thrift Shop is for those who happen to look up.  On Friday, Elliot and I stopped by with some donations. While I was browsing through the store, he happened to see it.   

LIFE IS A BOOK UNWRITTEN
only you hold the pen.


"What will you write in your book today?"  the angels whisper.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen

Thursday, October 5, 2017

A Splash of Color: An Angel Message


The September 25th blog on Angels and the importance of color developed into a surprise Tuesday evening.  While shopping at Lowe's for paint chips, an angel thought came to check out the carpets. Over the months, my office/den had been neglected and was in need of a color infusion.  A cheerful splash of big colorful blossoms now cover the old hardwood floor.  My bare feet are comforted by the softness of  Wildflowers (the name of the rug) as I work at the computer.  I found an anonymous quote online that seemed to be a good remedy:  "When life knocks you to the floor, COLOR it."

It's amazing how radiant colors brighten the day.  Whether it be a sunny bouquet of flowers, a vibrant painting, or a vivid accent pillow, a touch of color brings joy.  I thank the Angels for the reminder to add more color to our lives and our prayers.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen 

Wednesday, October 4, 2017

Overflow Preparation: An Angel Message


Last month when Hurricane Irma blew through town, she filled the storm drain reservoir down the street to capacity.  For the past five years, it had been a deep grassy hollow that took up an entire block.  But as you can see above, it became a lake that prevented local flooding.   A creative space had been made to allow for overflow.  I was thinking about this analogy in regard to our spiritual capacity and realized that each day as we dig down deeper through meditation, prayer, and gratitude we are creating that sacred space to help us handle the flood of emotions that can come when going through personal as well as worldly storms.

Something else was spawned as a result of this new watery realm.  Little froggies hatched last weekend.  No bigger than a dime, they are now leaping down the street by the dozens.  Our morning walks are like playing that old video game, Frogger.  All of this can be translated into a deeper meaning, and that is to Fully Rely on God.  F.R.O.G. that wonderful acronym that adds a spring to each step of faith and brings waters of new life.

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen


Tuesday, October 3, 2017

Butterfly Visit in the Rain: An Angel Message

Butterfly Smile in the Rain 

Butterflies always bring a smile of joy and hope to my heart.  Big beautiful wings flutter by me and I remember this lovely creature was once an earthbound lowly caterpillar having to crawl to go places. "Look at me," she calls out.   "You, too, are more than you can know in this moment."

Nature speaks with a perfect gift at the perfect time.  Sometimes a butterfly may wing its way into our awareness as if on a mission.  That's what happened when Elliot and I were grieving the recent passing of our sweet 12 year old cat.  Angel had been with us for nine years.  On a Sunday afternoon, less than a week since she'd been gone, we were having lunch on the patio when it suddenly began to rain. Making a dash inside, to finish our lunch, I caught sight of a beautiful butterfly flutter close to the dining room window as we sat down at the table.  Knowing butterflies don't like to get their wings wet, I silently ushered her on.  But she lingered on a lily plant not minding the weather. 

To my surprise, soon this colorful messenger flew across the drive and landed on a nearby tree.  In plain sight, we laughed as she spread her black and yellow wings like an umbrella opening in the rain. Clinging to the leafy green branches, her striking pose seemed to be a deliberate sign.

"Look at the butterfly markings," Elliot said.  "It looks like a smile."

He was right. I smiled looking at the butterfly's big wide smile.   In the moment, our Angel cat came to mind.  Smile to Life.  Love is eternal. 

Enjoy your day with the Angels.

Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen





Sunday, October 1, 2017

The Healing Language of Synchronicity

We live and move in a world of symbols.  What these various objects convey depends upon our consciousness.  A rose, beauty, unfoldment; a bird, flight, higher thought; a sunrise, new beginnings; and so forth.  When going through tough times of change, I have found the angels comfort us in the language of synchronicity.  It happens in a personal way that speaks to our soul.  Blessings come with a glimpse of heaven that not only soften our hearts, but give us needed strength to keep on growing in faith.

The most amazing part is how seemingly unrelated symbols of yesterday will come together with a message that heals in this moment.  Only our eyes must be open or else we may miss the healing gift. 

On Angel's last morning here, our sweet tuxedo cat laid beside me on the bed and we shared a life-long gaze into each other's eyes.  Soul to soul, deep into the recesses of the heart, we breathed as one.  Her beautiful golden eyes were always so full of unconditional love for me, it was as if she could see straight through me, and loved me anyway (with meal privileges, of course.) 

Our furry family members do that for us in a way no human being ever will. Somehow they manage to wiggle their way into all those hard, stony crevices and soften us with their tender innocence and genuine love.  A gentle love so pure that we must take it in slowly lest we burst.  A steady transfusion of healing love.

As we looked at each other, I thanked her for teaching me all that she had over the past nine years.  Her assignment was complete, I told her.  She would graduate and go on to a new beginning.  Job well done.

So many little angel touches came in the wake of her passing.  I found the angel card holder (shown above) tucked away in my nightstand drawer.  The sight of the tuxedo cat with the pink nose was just like our Angel.  That's why I bought it many years ago in Virginia Beach.  Purple irises have been my calling card from God through the years that I am on the right path.  Irises and Angel, two favorites, now reminded me of a divine order taking place.  In honor of Angel, I selected a card from the Angel Messenger deck in the porcelain holder.

 I shouldn't have been surprised by the card.  HEALING.  How perfect, I smiled, realizing the deep healing taking place within me.

Teary eyed, I got busy cleaning out the nightstand drawer, and found another symbol.  A card from a June high school grad (see below) with only a grad cap and the words THANK YOU on it.  A funny thing though, the card was a blank inside.  The teen had enclosed a typewritten letter.  But I knew in that instant, that the angels had confirmed the message that our beloved cat had graduated, too.  Everything was on the up and up in this grand journey called Life.



Love and joyful blessings,


Rae Karen